Manchester City have rejected a £55m bid from Barcelona for midfielder Rodri, with the Spanish giants still determined to sign the Spain international despite the latest setback.

Barcelona had previously submitted an offer of around £40m for the 30-year-old midfielder, but City rejected the proposal before the Catalan club returned with an improved bid.

However, the Premier League champions have again turned down Barcelona’s approach and are reportedly seeking a significantly higher fee before considering Rodri’s departure.

Barcelona refuse to give up on Rodri

Despite having two bids rejected, Barcelona remain interested in securing Rodri’s services and are now considering their next move.

The Spanish club view the experienced midfielder as a major target as they look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new season.

Negotiations are expected to continue, although the significant difference between the two clubs’ valuations could make an agreement difficult.

Manchester City are reportedly demanding an initial guaranteed fee of between €70m and €80m for Rodri, while Barcelona’s current financial position limits their ability to meet that valuation.

City want to keep midfielder

Rodri has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, but City remain reluctant to sell one of their most important players.

According to Sky Sports, the club would prefer to extend the midfielder’s contract and keep him as part of their plans for the coming seasons.

City are hopeful of reaching an agreement with Rodri over a new deal and do not currently intend to encourage his departure.

However, the club would reportedly not stand in his way if Rodri formally requested a transfer.

The midfielder remains an important figure for Pep Guardiola’s side, having played a central role in the club’s recent success.

Financial gap stalls Barcelona move

The main obstacle between Barcelona and Manchester City is currently the valuation of the midfielder.

City want a substantial guaranteed payment before considering a sale, with their asking price understood to be above £60m.

Barcelona, meanwhile, remain restricted by La Liga’s financial fair-play regulations and can currently put forward a package worth around €65m.

A significant portion of Barcelona’s proposal is understood to be based on variables, add-ons and other conditional payments rather than an immediate guaranteed fee.

That structure has made it difficult for the two clubs to bridge the gap in their valuations.

City consider midfield alternatives

Manchester City could potentially lose two central midfielders during the summer transfer window, increasing the need for reinforcements in the position.

The club have therefore begun exploring possible replacements as they assess their midfield options.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi are reportedly among the players being considered by City.

The club’s interest in potential replacements could become more significant if Rodri eventually decides to leave, although City’s preference remains to retain the Spanish midfielder.

For now, Barcelona must decide whether to improve their offer or explore alternative targets as City continue to hold firm on their valuation of Rodri.